In a shocking turn of events, a former employee of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) has been accused of kidnapping a 1-year-old girl under the guise of protecting her from alleged abuse. This troubling incident has raised significant concerns about the integrity of child welfare systems and the safety of vulnerable children in Oklahoma.
The individual in question, 33-year-old Xander Daniel Faison, reportedly forged documents to present herself as a legitimate authority figure capable of removing the child from her mother’s custody. According to reports from The Oklahoman, Faison, who was not authorized to conduct fieldwork, created fake legal documents complete with forged signatures from court officials. This brazen act of deception led to a mother relinquishing her child, believing Faison was acting in the child’s best interest.
On January 30, Faison confronted the child’s mother with the forged documents, threatening to involve law enforcement if she did not comply. The mother, under the impression that Faison was taking her daughter to a safer environment, allowed the child to go with her. However, instead of fulfilling her promise to take the girl to a relative’s home, Faison took the toddler to her own residence in Oklahoma City.
Authorities were alerted to the situation when the mother reported her daughter missing. Following an investigation, police apprehended Faison on February 2, and the child was safely placed in a foster home in Shawnee. The Oklahoma DHS swiftly terminated Faison’s employment, emphasizing that her actions were “absolutely shameful” and a gross violation of the agency’s values. DHS Director Jeffrey Cartmell stated, “The safety and wellbeing of Oklahoma’s children is our highest priority, and we will act swiftly and decisively to uphold that commitment.”
This incident has sparked discussions about the importance of oversight and accountability within child welfare agencies. As Christians, we are called to advocate for the vulnerable and ensure that systems meant to protect children are functioning properly. The actions of a single individual should not overshadow the hard work and dedication of countless professionals committed to child safety.
The Oklahoma DHS has reassured the public that they hold their staff to high standards and are cooperating fully with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. The agency is also conducting an internal inquiry to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the critical role that child welfare agencies play in our communities. It also highlights the need for vigilance and advocacy to ensure that every child is protected and cared for in a loving environment. For more on child welfare and how you can help, visit the National Child Welfare Resource Center.
In a world where the safety of children is paramount, incidents like this underscore the necessity for transparency and accountability in all child welfare operations. Let us continue to pray for the affected families and for those who work tirelessly to protect our most vulnerable citizens.